Interviews >> Hillary                                                              

Hillary
(USA via the Philippines)

November 22, 2004

Hillary wrote an email to the editor of SentimentalRefugee.com. "I would like to see more interviews with immigrant teens." Point taken. She also sent her contribution - greatly appreciated - by answering some of the questions I put on the generic interview in the "If You Want to Contribute" section. If you want to contact her with feedback or comments you can do so at mitch31588 "at"sbcglobal.net.

Hillary was 16 years old at the time of this interview.

1. First things first: give us a notion of where you came from (which country) and what prompted you to immigrate.

I came to the United States from the Philippines. My father and his family moved to the US and after 10 years he petitioned for the rest of the family.

2. What are the major differences you noticed in the new culture, as opposed to the old one?

The US is very different from my country. I love the place, people are friendly. When I first came here I was afraid to speak in English. I also made lots of mistake. I attended high school and I was also nervous but things went pretty well in the next months.

3. What were the problem areas for you in terms of adjusting?

Well, the people here smile a lot and they are very helpful but I find it hard to have friends. I try to join their group but I always feel excluded. There are times when I have to repeat my answers and it's very depressing.

4. What were / are the great discoveries you've made about yourself or about the world in the new country?

Before I was really talkative and my teachers hated me for that but when I came here my attitude became different. I'm always quiet and I lost my confidence. But then I began to focus in my studies and get A's. My life here is boring.

5. In practical terms, give us examples of differences or similarities in these areas:

- love

People in the Philippines are like those in the US but I think people here are more liberal . Most of my classmates here in US got a boyfriend or girlfriend and they even kiss or hug in public.

- friendship

I love my Filipino friends. I find it hard to open up my problems with other people here and it's hard to have friends.

- family

I think there are more family values in the Philippines than here.

- school

Honestly back in Philippines my grades were B- but when I came here I got A's and I think it's easier here and you can choose your own subjects.

- dating

I am not yet interested in finding a boyfriend here because I want to know more about myself.

Thank you, Hillary!

If you would like to send your contribution to this project you can email the editor@sentimentalrefugee.com or use this form: www.sentimentalrefugee.com/contribute.html.



 

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